compliment

[ noun kom-pluh-muhnt; verb kom-pluh-ment ]

noun

1. an expression of praise, commendation, or admiration:

   A sincere compliment boosts one's morale.

   Synonyms: panegyric, eulogy, tribute, kudos

   Antonyms: disparagement

2. an act or expression of civility, respect, or regard:

   The mayor paid him the compliment of escorting him.

3. compliments, a courteous greeting; good wishes; regards:

   He sends you his compliments.

4. Archaic. a gift; present.

verb (used with object)

1. to express praise, commendation, or admiration of:

   She complimented the child on his good behavior.

   Synonyms: honor, praise, commend

2. to show kindness or regard for by a gift or other favor:

   He complimented us by giving a party in our honor.

3. to congratulate:

   They were traveling to the capital to compliment the prince on the birth of a son.

verb (used without object)

1. to express praise, commendation, or admiration:

   He was known for a warm style of leadership in which he complimented and praised frequently.

compliment

noun

1. a remark or act expressing respect, admiration, etc
2. usually plural a greeting of respect or regard

verb

1. to express admiration of; congratulate or commend
2. to express or show respect or regard for, esp by a gift

Usage

See complement

Confusables Note

See complement.

Other Words From

• com·pli·ment·a·ble adjective
• com·pli·ment·er noun
• com·pli·ment·ing·ly adverb
• out·com·pli·ment verb (used with object)
• un·com·pli·ment·ed adjective
• un·com·pli·ment·ing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of compliment¹

First recorded in 1570–80; from French, from Italian complimento, from Spanish cumplimiento “compliance or fulfillment of the forms of a courtesy,” from cumpli(r) “to complete” ( comply ) + -miento, noun suffix ( -ment ); earlier identical in spelling with complement

Word History and Origins

Origin of compliment¹

C17: from French, from Italian complimento, from Spanish cumplimiento, from cumplir to complete, do what is fitting, be polite

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. compliments of, given or donated by:

   Begin your day with a delicious continental breakfast, compliments of your hosts.

   I have a mystery tomato plant growing among my squash, apparently compliments of the birds and their droppings.

More idioms and phrases containing compliment

see left-handed compliment ; pay a compliment ; return the compliment .

Related Words

• admiration
• adulation
• applause
• blessing
• commendation
• courtesy
• endorsement
• homage
• ovation
• tribute